Osteoporosis: A Silent Disease

June 30, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Healthy Living, Illnesses 

Osteoporosis is a disease that often goes unnoticed until its has developed in the body for a long period of time. This leads to most patients already having advanced Osteoporosis by the time it is diagnosed. Osteoporosis effects the bones throughout the body, causing them to be more fragile and porous than before. This can lead to fractured and broken bones, since the bones in the body have become so weak and susceptible to injury.

Osteoporosis most often effects women in their late forties and early fifties, right around when menopause starts to occur. Women slow down their production of the hormone Estrogen during menopause, which is a crucial hormone in keeping women’s bones strong. Women’s bones are also naturally less dense than men’s, giving them another disadvantage over Osteoporosis. Men can also have Osteoporosis, despite its high frequency in females.

Other factors that contribute to Osteoporosis besides gender and age include lifestyle habits. People who smoke, consume little amounts of Calcium, drink alcohol excessively, or do not exercise are increasing their chances for Osteoporosis. Also, people who have been particularly fragile throughout their life or who have fractured a bone before are at a higher risk for Osteoporosis.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis often do not show themselves, and any pain or discomfort is often confused with Arthritis. Most often Osteoporosis is diagnosed when a bone is fractured or breaks. It is important to get a bone density test done annually if you have a family history of Osteoporosis or have many of the factors in your life that lead to the disease. A simple bone density test can help determine if you are at risk for or currently have Osteoporosis.

There are numerous ways you can help to prevent Osteoporosis. Making sure you have the appropriate amount of Calcium and Vitamin D in your daily diet will help keep your bones strong. Staying a healthy weight and exercising regularly will also keep your bones in top shape. A healthy diet, exercise routine, and possible calcium supplement can all be tailored to your specific needs by a physician.

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